Updated 11:32 pm, Friday, September 13, 2013

In their season opener Friday night -- their first game since moving out of the New Jersey Athletic Conference -- the Colonials pounded Nichols College, 44-7. Western had posted a combined record of 5-44 in its previous five seasons.

"The MASCAC is in trouble because Western Connecticut is phenomenal," said Nichols coach Kevin Loney in a story posted on the Western athletic department website. "They have zero deficiencies. They're big, fast, athletic and physical. They have a lot of veterans running around out there. "

Western rushed for 299 yards, passed for 175 yards and broke the game open with a 27-point second quarter.

Former Newtown High star Will Arndt completed 13 of 15 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. Former Stratford High standout Tory Mack ran for a game-high 86 yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns. Junior Octavias McKoy, another Stratford High product, gained 84 yards on 11 carries and one score. Former New Fairfield High star Nick Guardi ran for a seven-yard touchdown. Former Bethel High standout Bill Birdsell led Western with seven tackles.